Skip to content
Skip to main content

About this free course

Share this free course

Developing business ideas for drone technologies
Developing business ideas for drone technologies

Start this free course now. Just create an account and sign in. Enrol and complete the course for a free statement of participation or digital badge if available.

3 Drone use for sustainable livestock management in rural France

Supporting ruminant farmers is a high priority area for policy makers, because it can ultimately ensure both the economic and environmental sustainability of rural areas. Specialist research organisations on ruminant farming have funding to pilot research projects on interventions that can improve time efficiencies, quality of life and, in turn, the appeal of this profession to future generations.

IDELE (Institut De L’Elevage) is a not-for-profit research organisation with expertise in livestock monitoring and farming. IDELE is currently piloting the use of drones in rural France as part of the ICAERUS project. The pilot research involves two exemplary farms and the use of drones to monitor livestock on grasslands in the Municipalities of Jalogny (Ferm’Inov farm) and Le Chaffaut-Saint-Jurson (Carmejane farm).

Described image
Figure 4 Drones used in livestock monitoring, IDELE research facility: CIRBEEF farm, Brittany, France

Using drones on alternating days, relieves farmers from time demands while ensuring that continuous oversight of livestock is maintained. Preliminary results indicate that farmers saved 30% of their time when using drones. Note that time savings depend on the type of farm and the working methods used. Over time, the use of drones can give farmers access to a wide range of data on animal physiology. Sophisticated analysis of such data can enable farmers to better diagnose animal health, nutrition and pregnancy demands. Such analytics will offer reliable support and relief from some job pressures whilst improving animal welfare.

Research at IDELE is currently exploring drone-animal interaction, and by training animals to get accustomed to the drone noise it minimises any potential adverse impact on their welfare.

The use of drones is increasing outside this pilot initiative. In France, currently 8% of ruminant farmers are already using drones, and another 20% are considering adoption (IDELE, 2023). There is a need for formal training and certification to ensure compliance and minimise risks with animal interference and neighbouring civilian concerns. Access to drones needs to be made available to all farmers, as current costs can make it both a costly and risky investment.